On May 2, 2002, an American Champion (acac) 8KCAB (registration N86AA) was involved in an aviation accident near Davenport, WA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to adequately compensate for the wind conditions during takeoff. Gusting wind was a factor. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During takeoff from runway 23 in gusty crosswind conditions, the left wing was lifted by a strong gust, leading to right wing contact with the runway, a cartwheel, and the aircraft coming to rest upright off the runway.
Accident Sequence
The pilot of a general aviation aircraft reported a takeoff accident occurring on runway 23. The winds were from 200 degrees at 20 to 25 knots with gusts to over 30 knots. As the aircraft lifted off, a strong gust of wind raised the left wing. The pilot attempted to lower the left wing, but the right wing contacted the runway surface. The aircraft then cartwheeled onto its nose and struck the tail, eventually coming to rest upright off the right side of the runway.
Pilot Report
The pilot stated that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the aircraft at the time of the accident.